Molasses Sugar Cookies

If you like molasses or would like to learn how to bake more WITH molasses, this is a great starting point.  They are chewy and delicious with just a hint of spices.  But, to give you a heads up, you will need to cool them for a few hours, so don’t make these when you are in a hurry to get something served.  Make them when you have a bit of time throughout the day.   They won’t disappoint!

3/4 cup butter

1/2 cup raw sugar

1/4 cup molasses

1 egg

2 cups all-purpose, unbleached flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (I prefer in the jar, minced kind)

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons brown sugar 

1. Melt the butter over low heat in a large pan on the stove, then cool to room temperature.

2. Add raw sugar, eggs, and molasses, beat well.

3. In a separate bowl, sift dry ingredients together and add to the pan.  Mix well and chill for 3 hours or overnight.

4. Once cool, form the dough into ping-pong ball size balls.  Roll the balls in brown sugar.  Place the balls onto greased or non-stick cookie sheet about 2 inches apart.

5. Bake at 375 degrees F for 8-10 minutes. Cool.

Make sure to store these in an airtight container to help them stay nice and moist.  If they do lose their softness, place a piece of bread in the container with them for a few hours or overnight.  (It’s a little like magic!)